Holesaw Brush Handle

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This method for shaping brush handles is designed for someone without access to a lathe. Considering the most jarring part lathing is removing the corners of the wood, this method uses holesaws to preshape pieces to be round so you can dive into file and sanding. If you are looking for perfect precision or any shape brush your imagination can muster you may want to check elsewhere as there will be limitations to this method. However if you want to build a nice brush handle and you don't have many tools to do it, you may be in the right place. If you would like to make a brush out of wood that is known for splintering in a lathe, this again may be a good method for you.

If you have to buy all the pieces for this project it may be only a small investment more to buy the craftsman mini lathe from Sears for $150 after you calculate the cost of the drill, holesaws, and misc equipment (There is also an option for a lathe from HarborFreight that is powered by a mounted drill). Go through the items you will need and compare the cost before rushing out and diving.

A warning before you begin[edit | edit source]

This method for making brush handles can be potentially dangerous if you are not careful. If you think you would like to try this method, please read the entire article first, there is information that can keep you from hurting yourself (I learned this the hard way so you don't have to).

Required equipment[edit | edit source]

HSB Equipment.jpg

  1. Forsner Bit (for boring hole for Nib)
  2. Holesaw (sized for the desired thickness of the handle)
  3. Wooden Dowel
  4. Steel Dowel
  5. Drill (variable speed preferred)
  6. Pipe Hanger (or any item you can find to secure the drill to your bench)
  7. Assorted Hardware (rubber washers, washers, lock washers, nuts, all thread)
  8. Handle Material (I am using Ebony and Wenge).

**note**: My dowels and all thread are 1/4 inch because that is the size of my holesaw mandrel. You will want to make sure your equipment is sized for your mandrel as well.

Making the handle[edit | edit source]

Rough up[edit | edit source]

Start by drilling your wood with the hole saws to get your pieces round. The Forsner bit and holesaw will want to battle for a center tap. If you drill with the Forsner first for the nib hole you will not have any wood for the holesaw mandrel and vice versa.

Mounting[edit | edit source]

Another warning[edit | edit source]

HSB Arrows.jpg

See how I visually divide my project in half? Only work on the half that is closest to the drill chuck! The further you go from the chuck, the more leverage you have with the same amount of pressure. Too much pressure on the outside of the piece and you may curve the all thread shaft. At best this will cause wobble and a very uneven piece, yet it is not impossible to bent the all thread enough to cause a dangerous situation (think L bracket in a drill bit and your hand in the mix, not pretty). If you want to work on the other side of the piece simply stop the drill and turn in over so the other side is closer to the drill bit.

Pay attention to the exposed threaded shaft as well. Not only will this end show you if you are getting too much wobble, but if you left a burr on the end of the thread when you cut it to size it will be a spinning razor (please do not attempt to shave with the spinning razor).

Filling the gaps[edit | edit source]